Despite widespread calls from traditional supporters to revert back to 3.00pm starts, the Super League club believe last season's later kick-off time is well worth retaining.

The decision has been made on the day the Giants' prices for Super League IX have been announced, although season tickets will not go on sale until next Tuesday.

But Giants chairman Ken Davy is confident the 5.30 starts will not affect season-ticket sales, even though prices have increased from last year.

"Deciding to stick with the 5.30 starts is one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to take," admitted Mr Davy.

"We had a full debate at board level over this decision and we collected as many views as we possibly could.

"It wasn't easy to wrestle with, and we do recognise that it is a decision that will disappoint some of our supporters.

"But we were also well aware that reverting back to 3.00pm would disappoint other fans.

"In a way, it's a situation where we couldn't win.

"But now the decision has been made I do hope those who are against 5.30 starts will still get behind us and be a part of what we are confident will be another fantastic season for the Giants in Super League.

"At the end of the day, the decision has been made because we believe it is the best for the supporters as a whole and best for the club as a whole."

One criticism from fans over later kick-offs was that it was difficult for supporters from outlying areas to travel home.

To counter this, the Giants are planning to establish a get-you-home scheme, although Mr Davy admits the idea is in its early stages.

"From the feedback we've received this was a major concern and we intend to do something about it," he added.

"But obviously a lot of the feedback we received was very positive over the 5.30 starts. That, ultimately, is why we've stuck with it.

"However, for all those who are from the anti-lobby, I think it's worth pointing out that we won't start with the later kick-offs until May.

"In February, March and April we'll still be kicking off at 3.00pm. It's only in the hot summer months where there are numerous other daytime distractions that it'll change.

"And, if several of our home summer games are screened on Sky TV, we could end up playing far fewer matches at 5.30 than 3.00.

"But when it boils down to it, we've stuck with our policy because we sold more season tickets after last year's change than in any previous season.

"Although last year's crowd increase was not as much as we would have hoped for, our avarage attendance was still up to 4,700 and many of these expressed a preference for 5.30.